Chapter Sixteen: A Warning to All

The elder noticed that Bai Shengyun seemed rather indifferent toward Xie Yingying, his demeanor cold as frost, treating her with nothing more than the barest courtesy.

“Young Master, how should we arrange for Xie Yingying?” he ventured, probing to observe Bai Shengyun’s attitude.

If there was something suspicious about Bai Shengyun’s union with Xie Yingying, then even if the marriage went through, conflict would surely follow, disturbing the entire clan’s peace. No matter what, Bai Shengyun’s status was distinguished, and those around him should not be as unruly and disreputable as Xie Yingying, whose reputation was in tatters and who could never be presented in polite society.

Bai Shengyun’s expression turned icy. “There’s no need to mention her. The marriage will proceed according to clan rules.”

He hadn’t expected that, in just this short time, she had already managed to fit in here, chatting freely with anyone she pleased. Recalling Xie Yingying’s radiant smile, so different from her reserved manner toward him, his feelings grew more tangled.

He had never noticed before that Xie Yingying wasn’t always confrontational; she could be gentle as well. Yet that gentleness was never directed at him, only at others—she could converse joyfully with anyone else, but when it came to him, she was nothing but antagonistic.

The elder, however, misunderstood, convinced that Xie Yingying must have schemed to attach herself to Bai Shengyun, using the connection as leverage, which forced Bai Shengyun to tolerate her. Considering Xie Yingying’s unsavory sect, the elder’s dislike for her only deepened, his animosity growing.

Later, upon returning to the chamber, he spoke bluntly with the other elders, sharing his first impressions of Xie Yingying. The other elders were surprised to hear she was such a person, and their hearts grew heavy with uncertainty.

“That Xie Yingying is truly shameless, fickle and without the slightest sense of propriety!”

The Grand Elder, who had also met Xie Yingying and was the least supportive of this marriage, added, “If Bai Shengyun had not been forced into this, suffering a loss at Xie Yingying’s hands, the marriage would never have fallen to her.”

“It’s long been said those of the demonic sect are cunning and can bewitch the mind; now it seems it’s true. How can someone like that assist our young master?”

The other elders, righteously indignant, shook their heads and sighed.

They did not refuse to help Bai Shengyun arrange the marriage, but the woman he had chosen was truly unfit for his station, with a reputation marred by scandal.

Someone like her entering their clan would only bring calamity—who knew how many would suffer, making the entire world a laughingstock. Bai Shengyun’s renown was unmatched, with countless female cultivators yearning for him in vain, yet in the end, the benefit fell to a woman of such disordered life as Xie Yingying.

Recalling the tales of her past indiscretions, the elders felt nothing but headaches and resentment toward her.

“She must have used some trick. Otherwise, the Young Master would never have brought her back. This woman is truly detestable!”

“Young Master acts with integrity. If he’s truly fallen prey to her sorcery, he’s only been taken advantage of. Xie Yingying obviously saw him as easy prey and set her designs upon him!”

Their grumbling grew louder, and they dredged up every sordid rumor from Xie Yingying’s past, publicly condemning her deeds. Even so, their anger did not abate.

Meanwhile, Bai Shengyun’s face clouded, and as he listened to their incessant chatter, he grew increasingly irritable.

The Grand Elder cast him a glance and ventured boldly, “Young Master, if you are dissatisfied with Xie Yingying, we can always search for another, a woman of good character.”

At this, Bai Shengyun raised his eyes lazily, snorting coldly. “The candidate has already been chosen; there’s no need for the elders to trouble themselves.”

These people chattered endlessly, digging up every detail of Xie Yingying’s past, as if afraid he might not hear them. When he chose Xie Yingying, he had known well enough what kind of person she was.

But circumstances left him no other choice now; all he could do was grant Xie Yingying a rightful place by his side. Though her reputation was poor, both of them had their unspeakable reasons—reasons he would never share with outsiders.

The elders, faces dark, were not yet willing to concede.

“Young Master, you’ve had little contact with those of the demonic sect, but their cunning is unmatched, and their methods disgraceful. They must not be underestimated.”

At that, Bai Shengyun’s expression darkened further, a trace of impatience showing in his brow—he was on the verge of erupting.

The elders, oblivious, took his silence for agreement and grew even bolder in their criticism.

As they spoke with mounting fervor, Bai Shengyun suddenly gave a heavy snort. His aura burst forth, and he swept the teacups from the table, shattering them on the floor.

“Enough!” His voice rang cold and deep, his face a mask of thunderous displeasure.

The Grand Elder frowned, retorting sternly, “Shengyun, we only have your best interests at heart, worried you’ve been ensnared and forced to compromise.”

Given Bai Shengyun’s attitude, it was obvious the union was Xie Yingying’s design. Otherwise, how could he, with his status, willingly consort with someone from a demonic sect, let alone marry such an unruly woman? With his position, he lacked for admirers—Xie Yingying should never have dared to dream of him.

The elder’s words grew more offensive until Bai Shengyun’s patience snapped. He slammed his palm on the table, his tone icy as he barked, “This meeting is over. Should anyone speak ill of Xie Yingying again, they may leave on their own!”

The elders’ faces turned grim, stifling their anger.

Bai Shengyun’s gaze was frosty as he rebuked them quietly, “Xie Yingying is mine to discipline and manage. Your interference is unwarranted—you have overstepped.”

He had chosen her; even if she deserved censure, it was not for outsiders to mete out. As for the elders, he had only intended to inform them of her identity and have them see to the wedding arrangements, not to give them leave to oppress her or meddle beyond their station.

“I urge you all to remember your place. My affairs are mine to handle—no one else has the right to comment!”

The room fell silent, a cold sweat breaking out on their backs as they realized too late what they had said in their rashness.

“Young Master’s rebuke is just. We have overstepped—please forgive us.”

Bai Shengyun’s expression softened slightly, though he still looked displeased. “Since you understand, let us adjourn. Go about your own business.”

Dismissed, the elders could only leave quietly, though their resentment toward Xie Yingying only grew deeper.